Outside Center

Produced in just a few weeks as part of L'inis Portraits Croisés program, in partnership with Munich’s HFF film school, Outside Center captures the daily life of Desmond, a Jamaican-born man living in Germany. This serendipitous encounter between the director and this rugby player results in a short film that transcends anecdote, tackling significant social issues with sensitivity and candor.

One key focus is the importance of forming groups—any groups—based on chosen non-mixed spaces. The Munich Monks, one of the country’s few competitive LGBTQ+ sports teams, provides a safer environment for queer individuals to participate in a team sport without judgment or discrimination. In this context, the gymnasium becomes a space for sharing, where teammates open up about past struggles and present joys. Thanks to his host country, Desmond has found the freedom to embrace who he is, without the societal pressure to hide. Without slipping into melodrama, the film also delves into the complexities of Desmond’s relationships, both romantic and familial. The filmmaker even captures intimate pillow talk, offering viewers a glimpse into the protagonist’s vulnerability.

While the film doesn’t directly address issues of gender, it prompts the audience to reflect on masculinity and virility. Close-ups of bodies hint at a subtle homoeroticism—a powerful and unapologetic queer gaze.

Whether in a sports club or a nightclub, Desmond thrives in the communities he’s part of. It’s only on the rugby field that he plays the position of Outside Center.

Anouk Vallières
Head of Educational Activities and
Programming Coordinator
Plein(s) Écran(s)